Angela’s Ashes

Frank McCourt

Chapters XI–XII

Chapters XIII–XIV, page 2

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Summary: Chapter XIII

Frank wants to go on a cycling trip with his friends from
school, and convinces Laman to let him borrow his bicycle. In return,
he promises to empty Laman’s chamber pot every day and to run all
of Laman’s errands.

One day at the library, the librarian gives Frank a book
called Butler’s Lives of the Saints. The deaths
of the virgin martyrs, “worse than any horror film,” fascinate Frank.
He does not know what the word “virgin” means, and although he looks
in the dictionary, the definition is too abstract to be of help.
The librarian, Miss O’ Riordan, is so impressed by Frank’s supposed
religious zeal that she writes to congratulate Angela on her son.

Frank’s teacher, Mr. O’Halloran, tells Angela that her
son is intelligent and must continue school instead of becoming
a messenger boy and wasting his talents. On his advice, Angela takes
Frank to the Christian Brothers to inquire about further schooling,
but the priest there slams the door in the McCourts’ faces, telling
them that there is no room for Frank. This infuriates Angela.

The post office supervisor offers Frank a job as a telegram
messenger. This job offer pleases Frank, who is anxious to finish
school. Mr. O’Halloran tells his students that he is disgusted with
the class system that forces smart boys into menial jobs, and he
tells Frank that he should leave for America. Frank tries to apply
to be a chaplain in the Foreign Legion, but his doctor thinks Frank
too young and refuses to give him the necessary physical examination.

Frank worries that he is committing a sin by masturbating.
He also worries about the fact that his mother is sleeping with
Laman Griffin. The day before Frank is due to go on his cycling
trip, he forgets to empty Laman’s chamber pot. Angered, Laman says
that Frank cannot borrow his bike. Frank protests that Laman is
breaking his promise, and Laman starts beating Frank. Frank leaves
the house and goes to stay with his Uncle Ab Sheehan.

Summary: Chapter XIV

Angela sends Michael to Ab Sheehan’s house with food for
Frank. Michael feels bereft without his big brother, and asks Frank
to come home. Frank refuses, but feels guilty. It tears at his heart
to watch Michael walk away in his broken shoes and his raggedy clothes,
and he thinks of all the things he will buy for Michael once he
gets his job at the post office.

The intepretation here is incorrect. In an interview, Frank McCourt explained that the book was called Angela's Ashes because the two books, Angela's Ashes and 'Tis, were supposed to be one book. As it worked out, however, they were split into two books, with Angela's Ashes ending with the word 'Tis' and 'Tis ending with Angela's ashes being scattered.